C-Fire EO

Introduction

The system’s combination of advanced Thermal Imager, TV camera, and eye-safe laser range finder provides the ability to engage targets out to the maximum effective range of all in-service naval guns. The system is designed to be operated as both a fire control system in ‘hostile’ scenarios and as a surveillance and identification device in ‘policing’ roles. The sensor suite is located in a naval proven, stabilized platform that enables 360° coverage.

C-Fire EO is capable of controlling up to 3x separate gun mounts simultaneously, providing independent ballistic predictions for each gun. Targets from 4 different channels can be engaged simultaneously, i.e. from EO Director(s) and Track While Scan/System Tracks from the C-Flex C2 system.

C-Fire EO includes an Advanced Video Tracker for tracking the target from any of the two video sources of the EO Director. For larger vessels or because of blind arcs, it is often beneficial to have both a front and an aft director. C-Fire EO caters for easy addition of a second EO Director and related Video Tracking module.

C-Fire EO is fully integrated with the C-Flex command & control system and any C-Flex Multi Function Console operator can “take control” of it - in combination with any of the interfaced gun mounts.

C-Fire EO key operational features include:

Selectable search scan patterns to enable covert detection of targets

Slaving to target indications from associated systems such as surveillance radar

Benefits

C-Fire EO Director installed on Type 23 Frigate

Day & Night Surveillance OperationsRadar plots and tracks can be identified by the use of color TV camera and Thermal Imager (Infrared camera)

Electronic BinocularThe EO sensors enable operators to use the EO Director as an electronic set of binoculars, e.g. for visual verification of ship identities, Search & Rescue – finding a lifeboat or a man’s head in the water and for monitoring situations during interception and boarding operations.

Fully Flexible Operation and ControlThe C-Fire EO allows for full operational flexibility as any Multi Function Console (MFC) operator can “take control” of an EO Director in combination with any of the interfaced guns. In case of malfunctioning of a MFC, any other MFC can take control and engage the target(s).

Multi Gun ControlUp to 3 guns can be controlled by the C-Fire EO simultaneously.

Lightweight EO DirectorThe C-Fire EO provides a compact lightweight director for outdoor installations, enabling the C-Fire to be suitable both for new-build projects as well as upgrade and modernization projects.